Collaborative Research: Tribologically Durable UHMWPE Nanocomposites for Total Joint Replacements: Nano-mechanics and Bio-tribological Modeling

合作研究：用于全关节置换的耐磨性UHMWPE纳米复合材料：纳米力学和生物摩擦学模型该奖项由2009年美国复苏和再投资法案(公共法律111-5)资助。该项目的研究目标是研究用于全关节置换的石墨化UHMWPE纳米复合材料的纳米力学和生物摩擦学方面，并建立能够为假体植入物提供更长预期寿命的摩擦学耐久材料的设计模型。传统的提高UHMWPE全关节置换部件耐磨性的方法是辐照交联UHMWPE材料，然后重熔。这些方法导致了严重的问题，如疲劳强度和韧性降低，以及在最具生物活性的尺寸范围内产生磨屑，引起了人们对骨溶解、骨吸收和种植体松动的担忧。本项目旨在通过纳米力学和生物摩擦学模型研究新开发的石墨纳米材料增强的UHMWPE耐久纳米复合材料来解决这些问题。这项研究将为用于人工关节的聚合物材料带来一种新的设计方法，从而产生最优的UHWMPE纳米复合材料，并显著延长全关节置换的预期寿命。如果该项目成功，该项目的结果将为设计和开发具有摩擦学耐久性的UHMWPE材料提供基础，该材料可以导致各种人工关节更长的寿命，以满足广泛的患者需求。这项研究将有益于生物工程、纳米技术、材料科学、医疗保健系统能力以及整个社会。它还将为新州和佤邦的多层次教育做出贡献。这个项目将直接涉及本科生和研究生，并将在两所大学为课程发展带来新的讲座。美洲原住民部落大学生、女性和少数民族学生将通过暑期工作坊从这项研究中受益。

Collaborative Research: Tribologically Durable UHMWPE Nanocomposites for Total Joint Replacements: Nano-mechanics and Bio-tribological ModelingThis award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).The research objective of this project is to study the nano-mechanics and bio-tribology aspects of graphitic UHMWPE nanocomposites for total joint replacements, and to establish models for the design of tribologically durable materials that can provide longer life expectancy for prosthetic implants. The conventional method for increasing wear resistance of UHMWPE components of total joint replacements is crosslinking UHMWPE material by irradiation followed by re-melting. These methods have resulted in severe problems such as reduced fatigue strength and toughness, as well as the generation of wear debris in the most biologically active size range, raising concerns of osteolysis, bone resorption, and implant loosening. This project aims at solving those problems through studies of nano-mechanics and bio-tribological modeling for durable UHMWPE nanocomposites reinforced by newly developed graphitic nanomaterials. This research will result in a new design methodology for polymer materials used in artificial joints, and thus lead to optimal UHWMPE nanocomposites and dramatically extended life expectancy for total joint replacements.If successful, the results of this project will provide a base for design and development of tribologically durable UHMWPE materials that can lead to longer life spans for a variety of artificial joints to meet a wide range of patient needs. This research will benefit and contribute to bio-engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, heath care system capability, and our society at large. It will also contribute to multi-level education in both ND and WA states. This project will directly involve both undergraduate and graduate students, and will also lead to new lectures for course development in both universities. Native American tribal college students, woman and minority students will benefit from this research through summer workshops